Join Father Roy Bourgeois on a delegation to Guatemala February 15-23. The group will visit Ixil communities who bravely brought SOA graduate General Efrain Rios Montt to trial, leading to a conviction for genocide. The conviction was based on the forced displacement of 29,000, the deaths of 1,771 in 11 massacres, in addition to thousands of cases of torture and sexual violence Sadly, Guatemala’s Constitutional Court overturned the verdict only 10 days later, but a new trial is scheduled for January 2015.

The group will also visit communities facing current repression and militarization directed against their efforts to protect their environment against exploitive private initiatives such as mining and dam construction.

The delegation will meet with government officials to discuss Guatemala’s participation in WHINSEC, the new name for the School of the Americas. Guatemala’s current president, Otto Perez Molina, is another SOA graduate. Since taking office, he has doubled the numbers of Guatemalan troops training at WHINSEC. Perez Molina was a member of the Kaibiles, the special forces of the Guatemalan army, known for their brutality. He was elected under the slogan “mano dura”, meaning firm hand. His criminalization of communities who seek to protect their land and resources against private interests are testimony to that.

As government and military interests push back against efforts to put Rios Montt on trial again in 2015, international solidarity and support for the people of Guatemala is important.

Housing

There will be two people per room. The additional fee for a single room is $300.

Language and translation

All activities will be translated into Spanish and it is not necessary to have knowledge of Spanish to participate.

Travel

All participants must arrange their own travel to and from Guatemala. Please do not purchase tickets until we notify you of your acceptance. Delegates should plan on arriving any time on February 15 and leaving any time on February 23.

Required documents

Passport that is valid for at least 6 months from the time of entrance to Guatemala

Application process:

Email
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for the complete application form and details on the process.

Delegation Fee

The delegation fee of $1300 covers all meals, lodging (double occupancy), travel within the country and translation. It does not cover travel to and from Guatemala City. An additional $300 can be paid for those wanting a single room

Payment

Deposit of $200

Once you are notified of your acceptance, we require a non-refundable $200 deposit to reserve your spot. Please send a check made out to SOA WATCH to:

Mary Anne Perrone

1120 Brooks St.

Ann Arbor, MI 48103

Remaining payment of $750

This payment is due by January 15, 2014. Please send a check to SOA WATCH to